Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1887-08-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
A Little Heroine.

"I'll go and try my fortune with Uncle Rob.
crt." said Jack. "Bess and Maria failed be.
cause he could not stand girls with such fine
| ideas; but I won't trouble him that way. The
old fellow is all right if one only stirs him ur
in the right way"
" My child" said the gentle Mrs. Raymond
'' do not like to hear you speak in that boyish
rude manner. 1 fear your uncle would have
less patience with you than with your sisters
No. he does not intend to forgive me, and we
will make no further advances" IT,.
"Oh. yes, we will, deariel" and Jacks curly
head buried itself on the mothers shoulder
c0aXingly. ''Do, do let me try to win the OBJ.
stinatc old-well, there, then-to win our hon.
ored relative to proper sense of his obligations
toward his only sister and her interesting fam.
| lily. How win that do, eh =? Now, mother
don't shake your head so; it's no use. WHY
did you give me asboy's name and bring meuI
on tops ard marbles if you want me to be &
real girl ?'
1t was your fathers wish, you know, dear
He was so grievously disappointed that he had
no son. But Jacquclinc is not a boys name :
and Mrs. Raymond shook her head smillngly
at her wayword daughter.
No. but Jack is; and I'm never called any
thing clse." that young lady replied, trium-
phantly. with an obstinate little shake of the
jcttY curls that gave such piquancy to her
bright face. If father were only here lie
would let me try anything that would take the
burden from off your shoulders; and now that
he is dead, uncle must surely forgive you for
marrying against his wishes. What right had
he to have wishes, anyhow?"
10
ian," answered Mrs. Raymond, who was al
! ways ready to excuse her brothers harsh treat
| meut.
swell, mother. do let me go beard the lion
| in his den the Douglas in his hall. said Jack
gayly. "You know we must do something, fol-
we can get no work of any kind in this place
| though we've tried 20 faithfully"
''Wcll. go, my dear, and shall pray fol
your SUCCESS" said the gentle mother.
Mr.. Robert DorPn sat covering beside dull
spiritlcss fire one bright spring morning His
room dusty and disordcred. though its
furnishing was good. and even luxurious. He
looked moody and discontented. rs if the
wealth that showed itself in the Handsome
surroundings brought no pleasure to its owner.
Perhaps he was thinking of the sister who had
once made sunshine in tbe now gloomy home,
! and wished that his pride would let him beg her
to come back and care for him in his dreary
old age.
a tap at the door aroused him.
"WhO is IT," lie demanded in surpriee, for
his servants never came unsummOned.
The door opened slowly and n bright face
pecped in.
"It's Jack Raymond. at your service. uncle, -
and in the venturesome girl walked, and stood
before him.
She wore long ulster. closely buttoned to
the throat, where Il standing collar and neat
black tie showed themselves, while on the
short, glossy curls was jaunty "Derby,'
guiltless of any trimming cave the simple mas
culine band.
''Why, didn't know my sister had a son ~
exclaimed the old gentleman, his wrinkled face
showing something very like satisfaction as he
looked at the newcomer.
"She hasn't" said Jack. with dancing eyes
but it isn't my fault. l do my best. I'm
awfUlly sorry I'm not boy, uncle, if it would
please you; but let me stay awhile. and you'll
see what a first-class substitute am"-remov-
ing her hat and bowling with easy grace. ''But
dear me! ! how dull it is here! Your fire wants
good stirring up!'
And seizing the poker. she attacked the Goals
in the CRATE with an energy that seemed to inn
ply she would like to treat him in the same
fashion.
a bright blaze followed her vigorous action
dancing on the walls and showing the bright
hues of pictures and furniture, despite the dnst
that covered them, bringing CHEEKY look, too
even to Mr.. Doran's grim face.
.'There!T said Jack. giving last approving
poke, ''that's better. Now, if just open this
window and let in the sunshine so"-suiting
| the action to the word" you'll feel as bright
| as spring morning"
The girl was like May-day herself. futter.
ing around the room as if waited by invisible
| breezes. her bright face the embodiment Of
| sunshine. and as the lonely old man watched
her light fingers bringing order ont of the con
fusion that had reigned SO long, quizzica
| smile dawned on his face.
For a would-be boy, you seem to know {
good deal about such things" he remarked
dryly.
That's the mother part of me-" said Jack
J as she settled" the chairs and furniture will